Wharton Library

Wharton Library is a public library located in Jasper, Alabama, and is part of the Walker County library system, which also includes the Carl Elliott Regional Library and the Carbon Hill Public Library. The library is named after Richard Wharton, a local philanthropist who donated funds for its construction, and is situated near the Bankhead National Forest and the Black Warrior River. The library serves the communities of Jasper, Alabama, Carbon Hill, Alabama, and Cordova, Alabama, and is a member of the Alabama Public Library Service and the Southeastern Library Association.

History

The history of the library dates back to the early 20th century, when the Jasper, Alabama community came together to establish a public library, with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Alabama Legislature. The library has undergone several renovations and expansions, including a major renovation in the 1990s, which was funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The library has also received support from local organizations, such as the Jasper Rotary Club and the Walker County Historical Society. Notable figures, including Helen Keller and George Wallace, have visited the library, which is also near the University of Alabama and the Birmingham Public Library.

Architecture and features

The library's building was designed by the architectural firm of McKee and Associates, which also designed the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Alabama State Capitol. The building features a unique blend of modern and traditional architectural styles, with a façade made of Alabama limestone and a roof designed by the National Roofing Contractors Association. The library's interior features a large reading room with a Tiffany glass ceiling, as well as a children's section designed by the Association for Library Service to Children and a Friends of the Library bookstore. The library is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including computers and software donated by Microsoft and IBM, and is a member of the OCLC and the Southeastern Library Association.

Collections and services

The library's collections include a wide range of materials, including books, audiobooks, and e-books from Penguin Random House and Hachette Book Group, as well as magazines and newspapers from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. The library also offers a variety of services, including Interlibrary loan and Test preparation resources from Kaplan and Princeton Review. The library's staff includes experienced librarians who have graduated from programs at the University of Alabama and the University of Southern Mississippi, and who are members of the American Library Association and the Alabama Library Association. The library also partners with local organizations, such as the Jasper City Schools and the Walker County Commission, to provide services and programs to the community.

Role in the community

The library plays a vital role in the community, serving as a hub for educational and cultural activities, and is a member of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Center for Education Statistics. The library offers a variety of programs and services for children and adults, including Storytime and Book clubs sponsored by Scholastic and Penguin Random House. The library also partners with local organizations, such as the Jasper Chamber of Commerce and the Walker County United Way, to provide resources and support to the community. Notable community events, such as the Jasper Festival and the Walker County Fair, are also held at the library, which is near the Bankhead National Forest and the Black Warrior River.

Notable events and programs

The library has hosted a variety of notable events and programs over the years, including author readings and book signings with John Grisham and Fannie Flagg, and concerts and performances by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the Birmingham Ballet. The library has also partnered with local organizations, such as the Jasper Historical Society and the Walker County Genealogical Society, to offer genealogy and local history programs, and is a member of the National Genealogical Society and the American Historical Association. The library's annual Summer reading program is also a popular event, with participation from local schools and organizations, including the Jasper City Schools and the Walker County Board of Education. The library is also near the University of Alabama and the Birmingham Public Library, and is a member of the Southeastern Library Association and the Alabama Public Library Service.